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Places to Hike in ! Greater Worcester!

3rd Edition! Updated December, 2014

Trail Maps! Directions! Property Descriptions! ! Places to Hike in Greater Worcester

Worcester is a great place to live. Over the years, many organizations have protected green space, for the benefit of everyone. This guide includes a brief description and map for each of the following areas.

1 Asnebumskit Hill Paxton, Holden 2 Bikeway Worcester, Millbury 3 Bovenzi Worcester 4 Broad Meadow Brook Worcester 5 Burncoat Pond Spencer 6-1 Cascades and Boynton Parks Paxton, Holden,Worcester 6-2 Cascading Waters and Cook’s Pond Worcester 7 Coes Reservoir & Columbus Park Worcester 8 Cook’s Canyon Barre 19 Cook’s Woods Worcester 9 Cookson Park Worcester 10 Uxbridge, Mendon 11 Crow Hill Worcester 12 Eagle Lake Holden 13 East Side Trail & Trinity Woods Worcester 14 Elmer’s Seat Boylston 15 God’s Acre or Deed Rock & Tetasset Ridge Worcester 16 Hadwen Arboretum Worcester 17 Hadwen Park Worcester 19-2 Holbrook Forest Worcester, Holden 18 Kettle Brook Worcester 19-1 Kinneywoods, & Cook’s Woods Worcester, Holden 20 Lake Park Worcester 26 Marois 28 Worcester 21 Paxton 22 Moreland Woods Worcester 38 Muir Meadow Paxton 23 Newton Hill and Elm Park Worcester 24 Nick’s Woods Worcester 25 Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge Ayer, Shirley 26 Parson’s Cider Mill & Marois 28 Worcester 27 Patch Reservoir Worcester 28 Perkins Farm Worcester 29 Pierpont Meadow Dudley 30 Pine Glen West Boylson 31 Porcupine Hill & Potter Sanctuary Holden 32 Poutwater Pond Holden, Sterling 33 Purgatory Chasm Sutton 34 Rail Trails Sterling, Holden, Rutland, West Boylston 35 Rocky Pond Community Forest Boylston 36 Sibley Farm Spencer 37 Slater Woods Dudley, Oxford 38 Southwick Pond and Muir Meadow Paxton, Leicester 39 Spencer 40 Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary Boylston 15 Tetasset Ridge Worcester 13 Trinity Woods Worcester 41 Trout Brook Holden 42 White Oak Trail Holden

Princeton, has not been included in this guide. This is a large area that has many recreational areas. Two significant ones are:

Mount Wachusett - http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/ region-central/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation.html Wachusett Meadow - massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/ Wachusett_Meadow/index.php

Hunting

Hunting is prohibited in Worcester, but is allowed in most of the surrounding communities. Following is a copy of the hunting schedule for 2014. During hunting season it is prudent to wear blaze orange or similarly bright clothing. If dogs are allowed, it is good to keep them on a short leash. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays.

Compiled by Jackie Lynn Questions or Comments [email protected] Hunting Seasons & >> NO HUNTING ON SUNDAY <<

Bag Limits OPEN SEASON DAILY BAG POSSESSION SEASON LIMIT (All Dates Inclusive) LIMIT LIMIT BLACK BEAR Sept. 2 – Sept. 20 See complete 2014 Massachusetts Guide to Black Bear Zones 1-9 1 Nov. 3 – Nov. 22 Hunting, Fishing & Trapping. Bear hunting closed during shotgun deer season. UPLAND GAME BIRDS* Spring: Zones 1–13 Apr. 28 – May 24 See complete 2014 Massachusetts Guide to Hunting, Fishing & Wild Turkey Fall: Zones 1–13 Oct. 20 – Nov. 1 Trapping. Youth Hunt: Zones 1-13 April 26 (special restrictions apply**) Jan. 1 – Apr. 10 Crow Jul. 2 – Apr. 10, 2015 — — — Oct. 18 – Nov. 29 2 4 6 Pheasant Youth Hunt See complete 2014 Massachusetts Guide to Hunting, Fishing & Trapping. Quail Zones 11–14 only Oct. 18 – Nov. 29 4 8 20 Ruffed Grouse Oct. 18 – Nov. 29 3 6 15 Upland game bird hunting is closed during shotgun deer season. * Migratory game birds (includes waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails): Seasons set annually. see Migratory Game Bird Abstract posted in late August. ** Must have completed the youth turkey hunt program (See complete 2014 Massachusetts Guide to Hunting, Fishing & Trapping.). DEER Archery Oct. 20 – Nov. 29 See complete 2014 Massachusetts Guide to 2 Antlered deer + Deer Shotgun Dec. 1 – Dec. 13 antlerless deer by Hunting, Fishing & Trapping. Primitive Firearms Dec. 15 – Dec. 31 permit RABBITS & SQUIRRELS Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1-12 Oct. 18 – Feb. 28, 2015 5 10 — Cottontail Rabbit Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 13 and 14 Nov. 15 – Feb. 28, 2015 5 10 — Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1–4 Oct. 18 – Feb. 28, 2015 2 4 — Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 Snowshoe Hare Zones 5–12 Oct. 18 – Feb. 5, 2015 2 4 — Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 Zones 13 and 14 Nov. 15 – Feb. 5, 2015 2 4 — Jackrabbit Zone 14 Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 1 2 — Zones 1–9 Sept. 8 – Jan. 2, 2015 5 10 — Gray Squirrel Zones 10–14 Oct. 18 – Jan. 2, 2015 5 10 — Rabbit, jackrabbit, hare, and squirrel hunting are closed during shotgun deer season.

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS Bullfrog and Green Frog Jul. 16 – Sept. 30 12 24 — Snapping Turtle Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 — — — FURBEARERS Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 — — — Bobcat Zones 1-8 Dec. 20 – Mar. 7, 2015 Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Coyote Oct. 18 – Mar. 7, 2015 — — — Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Fox (red or gray) Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2015 — — — Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Raccoon Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2015 3 — — Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Opossum Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2015 — — —

Trapping Seasons

OPEN SEASON TRAPPING SPECIES (All Dates Inclusive) Bobcat, Coyote, Fox, Weasel Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 Fisher Nov. 1 – Nov. 22 TO REPORT VIOLATIONS Mink, River Otter Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 Jan. 1 – April 15 (800) 632-8075 Beaver Nov. 1 – April 15, 2015 www.mass.gov/ole Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Muskrat, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2015 Places to Hike in Greater Worcester

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

Poutwater Pond Sterling * White Oak Trout Trail Brook West ** Boylston Summer Star Rutland Pine Holden *Glen * Cook’s Eagle Elmer’s Canyon Lake Seat * Rocky * Pond Porcupine Hill & Potter * Sanctuary Bovenzi Moore State * Park * Kinneywoods Nick’s Asnebumskit Holbrook Forest *Woods * Hill & Cook’s Woods* Map data ©2014 Google 2 mi Cascades & Moreland Boynton* Parks * Woods * Trinity Southwick Woods Cascading* East Pond Muir Waters & Side * Trail **Meadow* *Cook’s Pond * Patch * Reservoir Newton Tetasset Hill Ridge Hadwen Crow Lake God’s Acre/* Arboretum* Hill Park Deed Rock Coes Perkins Burncoat * Reservoir Marois 28 * * Farm Sibley Pond ** * Farm Parson’s Cider* Mill Broad * Meadow Kettle* Cookson * Brook * Brook Park Hadwen * Park* * * Blackstone Spencer State River Bikeway *Forest *

Map data ©2014 Google 2 mi

Purgatory * Chasm

Slater Pierpont Woods Cormier Meadow Woods* * * Rail Trails Park Locations

* Map data ©2014 Google 2 mi Asnebumskit Hill Paxton, Holden The Greater Worcester Land Trust White Oak Land Conservation Society Paxton Land Trust & the City of Worcester

Location: 1) Asnebumskit Road: From the intersection of Route 122 North and Asnebumskit Road in Paxton, turn East on Asnebumskit Road. Drive .80 mile. The trailhead is on the left. Park on the side of the road. 2) South Road: From the intersection of Reservoir Road and South Road in Holden, travel .80 mile North on South Road. The parking area is on the left side of road.

Length: 2.18 miles each way

Asnebumskit Ridge Trail: Generous land owners have given right of way to their properties. This trail crosses both private property and our drinking water supply. In appreciation for this easement, please follow the following trail rules.

Use permitted from sun-up to sun-down No littering No fires or smoking No dogs, horses, or other animals No alcoholic beverages No firearms, bows, or other projectiles No loud noises No destruction or defacement of plants or other property If you start at Asnebumskit Road, the majority of this one way hike is downhill. The first portion of the trail takes you through a woodland with an understory of ferns and moss-covered logs. There are logs, wet areas, and streams to cross. You emerge from the woods into a formerly logged area. The balance of the hike follows old logging roads. There are fields of ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs among the remaining trees. There are fabulous views of and the countryside below. To complete the hike, retrace your steps uphill to the trailhead.

Southern side of Asnebumskit Hill: Follow Asnebumskit Road to the summit, then walk South on a dirt cart path for .10 mile. On the right side you will find a scenic overlook that offers a wonderful view of the valley to the West including Kettle Brook Reservoir Number Four. There are dirt roads and paths on this side of the hill that take you onto private property. 1 Asnebumskit Ridge Trail ÉÉÉ ÉÉÉ Paxton, Holden

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§ % Blackstone River Bikeway Worcester/Millbury US ! Location: The parking area is located on Millbury Street, near the intersection of Cliff Street. This is 1.30 miles South of the intersection of Providence and Millbury Streets (the “red” bridge). ! Length: 2.5 miles (one way) ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This is a completed portion of a bikeway that will run the length of the Blackstone River Corridor, from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. From this parking area you can walk a short distance North, retrace your steps and then continue South for the majority of this section. This section can also be accessed from a parking area in Millbury. ! This bikeway is popular with bikers, runners, and walkers of all ages. The Blackstone River is visible for most of the way. The path also takes you along the highway, under overpasses and by ponds. Native shrubs and flowers have been planted along the paved path. ! Highlights: Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Belted Kingfishers and many ducks. Painted and Snapping Turtles. Snakes sunning themselves on the rocks. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2 Blackstone River Bikeway

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Completed Bikeway Parking Temporary on-road route Visitor Center Future Bikeway Bicycle shop Bovenzi Worcester Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: Off West Mountain Road. Follow Maravista Road to the end. Park near the gate. ! Length: Several miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This was a lovely wooded area with streams running through it. It has been decimated by the Asian Longhorned Beetles and the resulting tree removal. Most of the original trails were obliterated by tractors, but remnants of some trails still remain, along with “logging” roads and paths. Many trees were chipped, leaving the footing a little uneven in places. The following map shows all of the existing paths. ! Recovery is taking place, Bovenzi is coming back to life. Young trees are getting the chance to grow and older trees are filling out. In the Spring there are at least five vernal pools that are fun to explore. This is a good time to get the lay of the land before the wild flowers and grasses begin to grow. Bovenzi is home to many birds, butterflies, chipmunks, deer and was recently visited by a moose. One of highlights in Fall are the numerous Witch Hazel trees in flower. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 3 P Maravista Road

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11/12 Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Worcester Mass Audubon Society ! Location: 414 Massasoit Road Worcester, MA (508) 753-6087 ! 5 Miles of trails ! No Dogs Allowed. ! This full service Audubon Center has an environmental resource center, meeting spaces, a gift shop, and rest rooms. The sanctuary offers many diverse programs and activities for all ages, all year long. In the winter, snowshoes can be rented by the hour for a small fee. ! Broad Meadow Brook offers hiking trails that are moderately easy, taking you through a wide range of habitats including fields, wetlands, across brooks, and into oak forests. There is an excellent opportunity to see butterflies and dragonflies in the butterfly garden in front of the Nature Center and along the Powerline Trail. ! Troiano Brookside Trail is an “all person trail” that runs along a brook and wetland. Turtles, ducks, and muskrats frequent the brook. The area is home to many kinds of birds. ! Broad Meadow Brook has a new half-mile Sensory Trail. As well as being a universal access trail, it features fourteen stops that explain the natural history of the area as well as the sights and sounds that can be found. Signs have the stop number and name in braille and the walk has a companion audio presentation that is available in multiple options. The Frog Pond on the Frog Pond Trail is one of the stops that is fun to check out. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 4 Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary! Worcester, MA

Trail Key! Blue!! Blue Well Trail!! 0.50 mile! Red! Greenfield St Cardinal Trail!! 0.76 mile!

Lodge Yellow! Enchanted Forest Trail ! 0.25 mile!

Allston Blue! Frog Pond Trail!! 0.19 mile!

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Dunkirk Ave Dunkirk Orange! Holdredge Trail!! 0.59 mile! Camden Camden

Brightwood Green! Lady Slipper Trail!! 0.33 mile! P Red! North Link Trail!! 0.11 mile! Holy Black! Hampton St Evergreen Pink! Piggery Trail! Name Oak! Troiano! High Savanna Green! Powerline Trail!! 0.53 mile! School Brookside! Trail Yellow! Sagatabscot Ridge Trail! 1.55 mile! Purple! Sprague Trail!! 0.87 mile! Red Troiano Brookside Trail! 0.64 mile!

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10/14 Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

blue Blue Well Trail • 0.50mi. red Cardinal Trail • 0.76mi. yellow Enchanted Forest Trail • 0.25mi. blue Frog Pond Trail • 0.19mi. brown Holdredge Trail• 0.59mi. green Lady Slipper Trail • 0.33mi.

D.P.W. Pump Station blue Marsh Overlook Trail • 0.05mi. Black Oak North Link Trail • 0.11mi. Savanna red An Easy Way to try Snowshoeinggreen Powerline Trail • 0.53mi. ! yellow Sagatabscot Ridge Trail*• 1.55mi. Find a friend and go to: purple Sprague Trail • 0.87mi. ! red Troiano Brookside Trail • 0.64mi. Wetlands il Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuarya To Bl ackstone R r iverw T l ay (bik a Waterways Broad aMeadowtabscot Brook n Phragmites epat Sag Ri i dg d h) e r Marsh * NOTE: Sagatabscot Ridge is a through trail from Granite Street east to Massasoit Road T a The 414 Massasoitr Road C a il Broad Worcester, MA Meadow (508) 753-6087 ! C

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Walking in deep snow is more difficult. il ra Red e T gu Maple pra Modern snowshoes are small, light, and easy to walkS in, Swamp but they sink quite a bit into deep snow. on nsi te Ex Turning around will take a fewa ilextra small steps. Tr e A hiking or ski pole can makeu maneuvering easier. g a r p ! S * 2013-2014 Information. Check with the Nature Center for current hours of ) operations and pricing.Street ranite (To G Burncoat Pond Spencer Mass Audubon Society ! Location: 1) A new entrance has been established in conjunction with Sibley Farm. The parking area is on Greenville Street 1.20 miles from the intersection of Route 9 and Greenville Street in Spencer. ! 2) At the Leicester/Spencer Line on Route 9 (Main Street), take Polar Spring Road (a dirt road adjacent to the golf driving range and the Spencer Country Inn) to the end. About .20 mile. Park on the left side of the road where indicated. ! Length: There is a total of 8 miles of trails in the Burncoat Pond, Sibley Farm trail system. The following map shows several trail options. For the map of the whole trail system, see Sibley Farm. ! No Dogs Allowed. ! The location of the new parking area at Sibley Farm is now part of Burncoat Pond. There is a path that connects with the Flat Rock Trail and the balance of the Burncoat Pond trails. This fern lined trail takes you past many glacial boulders and makes it easier to visit Richard’s Overlook (formerly Flat Rock Overlook) as well as the other loop trails. ! The Polar Spring Road entrance takes you along the Midstate Trail through a pasture, woodlands, wetlands and a pond. From the pond you can follow the Beaver Bend Trail. This short loop trail takes you along a beaver wetland. In the Spring, check out the nesting Great Blue Herons. Shortly after the pond, the Midstate Trail splits off in an easterly direction continuing onto the Sibley Farm property. Head South to follow the balance of Burncoat’s loop trails. ! Highlights: Beaver Bend Trail: beaver lodge and dam, nesting water birds. In the spring - Red Trillium, followed by Painted Trillium. Beautiful Views of the pond. Mountain Laurel in mid-June Richard’s Overlook at the end of Flat Rock Trail. ! ! ! 5 P Key!! New Paths ! Midstate Trail! ! This map has been modified from the original Mass Audubon map to show the new parking area on Greenville St. and new trails. See Sibley Farm for the complete map.

S I B L E Y! F A R M

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7/13 The Cascades and Boynton Park Worcester/Paxton/Holden Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: Starting from the Worcester Airport rotary on Route 122, drive .20 mile west, towards Paxton. Turn right onto the second Mower Street. (There will be a sign for Boynton Park.) On Mower Street, drive .20 mile to a fork in the road. Take the right hand road and follow it for another .20 mile to the parking area. ! Length: This park is made up of several parcels of land: Boynton Park, Cascades West, Cascades East, Cascades Park, and Cascading Waters. Cascading Waters will be addressed on the next page. There are many trails that cross these parks. Trails can be combined for a short hike or one that covers many miles. ! Worcester city park: No dogs are allowed in Boynton and Cascades Parks. Dogs are required to be on a leash in the areas where they are allowed. ! These parks are on the foothills of Asnebumskit Hill, and most of the trails involve elevation change. Many of these trails are also rocky and some double as streams in wet weather. Most of the area is wooded, but there is a meadow in Cascades West that has been recently enlarged to expand the opportunities for wildlife habitat. Several trails follow along streams and there are vernal pools that can be explored in the Spring. ! There are many highlights, starting with the Spring ephemeral flowers; Bloodroot, Red Trillium, Trout-lilies, Blue Cohosh, and Marsh-marigolds. The waterfall that crosses the Silver Spring Trail, along with the “Indian Church” or Stone Amphitheater are also destinations not to miss. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 6-1

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m e a Mower St t C R B Cascading Waters Worcester Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: From the intersection of Chandler and Pleasant Streets, take Mower Street traveling northwest. (In front of the Santander Bank.) Continue for about .15 mile and bear slightly right onto Olean Street. Continue about .45 mile. A large wooden sign for Cascading Waters will be on the left along with a small parking area. ! Length: Follow the path .10 mile to the waterfall. Other trails in the Cascade Park System can be accessed from here and from Cascades East which has an entrance about .50 mile North on Olean Street.

Some highlights include spectacular views of the falls in the Spring or after a heavy rain. Spring is also the time to see an expanse of ephemeral flowers like Trout-lilies and Blue Cohosh, as well as Jack-in-the-pulpits. ! ! Cook’s Pond Smith’s Pond Corporation The Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Cook’s Pond is located across the street from Cascading Waters. You can park at Cascading Waters and walk about .10 mile back towards Pleasant Street to access a walking trail that takes you around most of the pond, over a dam, and down the stream. You can walk 1 - 2 miles enjoying many scenic views of the pond. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 6-2 Cook’s Pond! Worcester

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Tatnuck Gardens www.gwlt.org 5/13 ! Key! ! Paths!! ! Wetlands! ! Stream!! ! Bench! ! Property Boundary! P Parking Coes Reservoir/Columbus Park Worcester City of Worcester The Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: There is a sign for Columbus Park located at the end of Circuit Avenue North. There is room to park several cars along the side of the road. A new parking lot and entrance are nearly completed at the northwest end of Englewood Avenue. It has not been opened to the public yet. Until it is, parking is available at the Knights of Columbus parking lot. ! Length: 1 - 2 miles ! Worcester city park: No dogs allowed. ! The new entrance is also accompanied by a play area, and a multi-purpose field. The construction has destroyed some of the paths but new ones will be blazed. There is an established path that runs along the reservoir showcasing views of Paper Birches against the water. Many birds including Mute Swans, Ring-billed Gulls, Canada Geese and a Red-tailed Hawk, as well as a muskrat make this area their home. The path continues over the new foot bridge on the dam spillway, past the former Coes Knife property, and all the way to the beach on Mill Street. All of these areas are being developed and improved. This is becoming a wonderful recreational area. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 7 Coes Reservoir & Columbus Park! Worcester, MA

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N Coes Beach &! Bathhouse Dam & Spillway

P Coes Road

www.gwlt.org Mill Street 11/13 Cook’s Canyon Barre Mass Audubon Society ! Location: Barre Center. From the intersection of South Street and Route 122, travel .30 mile South on South Street. The Sanctuary will be on the left. ! Length: About 2 miles ! No Dogs Allowed. ! Cook’s Canyon Trail is an easy level loop trail. Taking the right hand trail (western side), you walk along a broad dirt road that takes you past a meadow and through the woods. Galloway Brook Trail, is a short side trail, that takes you along Galloway Brook. It rejoins the main trail near the pond. To the South, the pond flows over a waterfall and continues through a scenic gorge. The footing on the rocks can be treacherous. The stone ledge to the left of the gorge offers a beautiful view of the valley. Continuing the second half of the loop, you will be walking on a dirt path. This side is wooded and travels through some damper areas. Wooden planks are strategically placed over the wetter areas. This side runs along a stone-wall property boundary. Take care take not to inadvertently take a private trail that branches off of the main trail. ! Both sides of the trail have a variety of wildflowers. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 8 P Cook’s Canyon Barre, MA

South Street

Key

Main Paths Cook’s Canyon Trail Seasonal Path Brook Property Boundary

P Parking Cook’s Canyon Trail Canyon Cook’s Ga l 12/14 oway Brook

Private Link Trail Property

Galloway Brook Trail

Overlook

Dam N Ga loway Brook

Wildwood Trail (Seasonal) Cookson Park Worcester City of Worcester ! Location: Cookson Park (or Cookson Field) is located on College Hill near Holy Cross. Take College Street up the hill and turn West onto Kendig Street. There is a parking lot at the end of Kendig Street. ! Length: About 2 miles ! Worcester city park: No dogs allowed. ! Cookson Park is located on top of College Hill. The park prominently features massive granite ledges, many of which are covered with interesting lichens and mosses. There are towering oak trees that form a canopy over the property, as well as a former Little League field that is developing into a meadow. In the Spring there are Pink Lady’s-slippers, Wild Geraniums and Canada Mayflowers along the paths. The paths frequently intersect each other as you hike up and down this property. When the leaves are off of the trees, there are views of Worcester, but without the foliage, the property can be a little noisy from the traffic on I-290. Wild Turkeys, Cooper’s Hawks, Barred Owls and White-tailed Deer have been spotted here. ! This park had been neglected, but the City of Worcester, Friends of Cookson Park, students from Holy Cross and others are teaming up to improve the property. The new parking area, gates, kiosk, bench and clean up days are a great start. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 9 Cookson Park! Worcester, MA

H O L Y ! C R O S S Glade Street 600’ N 500’ Boyden Street

Kendig Street City View

Attleboro Street Clay Street College Hill Civic 650’ Southbridge Street Association

550’ P Kendig Street

Heath Street Coonan Street

Former

Little Street College League Field

Malvern Road Dutton Street

650’

Electric Street

! Key! ! Trolly Trail! ! Paths! Clay Street 600’ ! Property Boundary! Malvern RoadP ! Playground! ! ! Ledge, Outcropping! W O R C E S T E R ! P Parking! A U B U R N ! Gate! (not an official map) West Hampton St 4/13 Cormier Woods Uxbridge and Mendon The Trustees of Reservations ! Location: From the intersection of Routes 16 and 122 in Uxbridge, follow Route 16 East for about 1 mile. Take a slight right turn onto Henry Street and continue for .40 mile. Turn right onto Blackstone Street and continue on Blackstone for .30 mile. Turn at the second left, Chapin Street. (This road may not have a sign, but it is the street after Hollis Street.) Follow Chapin for .75 mile, the sanctuary will be on the left side of the road. ! Length: 1 1/2 to 3 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed ! This former farm has four easy loop trails that take you through a variety of habitats. There is a barn by the parking area and a farmhouse (private residence) across the street. ! On the eastern side of Chapin Road is an easy loop trail that goes through a woodland and over a small stream. There are native grass fields that have a variety of wildflowers including Black-eyed Susan, Showy Goldenrods and asters. ! On the western side, the main loop goes through a woodland area which features a field of glacial boulders, rocky ledges and outcroppings. The stream that crosses the path has many Jack-in-the-pulpits along its banks, and in the Fall, one area has a large display of red Pinesap. Two smaller loops take off from this main trail. Here you can find the remains of the Jonathan White homestead. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 10 CORMIER WOODS (175 ACRES) 217 Chapin Street Medfield and Uxbridge, Massachusetts 781.784.0567 [email protected] www.thetrustees.org

NOTE: THE JONATHAN WHITE HOMESTEAD AREA INCLUDES TO BLACKSTONE STREET RUINS OF THE HOUSE, PRIVY, AND ROUTE 16 MILK ROOM, AND BARN. PRIVATE PROPERTY BIRD THE WAYMARKER BOULDER WATCHING IS ALSO IN THIS AREA. PRIVATE PROPERTY ) ze la b

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THE RIGHTS OF NEIGHBORS BY STAYING ON (EASY)

e Woodland DESIGNATED TRAILS. e lb A BLACKSTONE STREET Wetland Dolbear Trail 0.4 mile M MENDON Albee Trail 1.4 mile WALKING / EAST STREET HIKING Homestead Trail 0.6 mile (MODERATE)

UXBRIDGE PRIVATE PROPERTY Other Trails

UPTON Roads

10 foot Elevation Contour N Stone Wall 0 500 1,000 Feet P Parking

This map is a product of the Geographic Information System of The Trustees of Reservations. Source data obtained from 1:25,000 scale USGS topographic maps, field surveys, Global Positioning System (GPS), and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, MassGIS. Boundary lines and trail locations are approximate. September 2011 Crow Hill Savannah The Worcester Conservation Commission The Greater Worcester Land Trust The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Ecotarium ! Location: There are two entrances on Harrington Road. 1) North High School parking lot. (140 Harrington Way) 2) across from the Ecotarium (222 Harrington Way) ! Length: Several miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This property is a beautiful Black Oak Savannah. There are large Black Oaks, meadows, wetlands and ponds. Many paths may have been originally carved by all terrain vehicles but they have weathered into good paths. Some scars from these vehicles can be found on top of the hill. The Greater Worcester Land Trust has blazed additional new trails. ! This property is a magnet for birds of many species and there is a diverse array of wildflowers. The pond, located in the Western corner of the property, is home to Painted Turtles, Mallard Ducks and muskrats. ! During wet weather, some of the paths may have standing water on them. I’d also suggest wearing long pants, as many paths are lined by various fast growing prickly shrubs. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 11 Crow Hill! Worcester

Benedict Rd Key! ! E C O T A R I U M GWLT Property Boundary! 600’ Ecotarium Boundary! Silver Trail! Additional Paths and Roads ! Ancona Rd ! Trail Marks/Blazing ! Stream! Harrington Wetlands! Montgomery! Parking, side of road &! Ave P High School parking lot! Main Entrances! Way

Amanola Ave Ebenezer St North ! High !P School

www.gwlt.org

Robin Rd 550’

Clarendon St 600’ 600’ 550’ Dell Ave N

Gordon St

650’ Dartmouth St

Stratfield St

Bowker St Hamilton St 550’ 7/14

0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 Eagle Lake Holden Mass Audubon Society ! Location: From the intersection of Routes 31 and 122A in Holden, travel northwest on Rt 122A (Main Street) for about 1.50 miles. Turn left onto Causeway Street. Continue about .70 mile on Causeway Street (across the lake). Park at the pull off area on the left side of the road.

Length: 3 miles roundtrip. ! No Dogs Allowed. ! This is a wonderful moderate hike that takes you on two loops through many different environments, including deciduous and coniferous woodlands, along wetlands, a brook and the lake. ! Follow half of the Appleton loop to a trail across the top of a municipal pipe- line. This connects you to the Asnebumskit Loop. This loop takes you along Eagle Lake and Asnebumskit Brook. The actual path doesn’t take you down to the lake, but there are several places that have been cleared enough to get you closer to the water. ! You complete the hike by retracing your steps over the pipeline and then doing the other half of Appleton loop. ! One caution. The entrance to both loop paths from the pipeline are marked with signs that may be obscured by vegetation. Look for a waist-high, small green sign with a white arrow. ! Highlights include many stunning views of Eagle Lake and Asnebumskit Brook, along with the Cardinal flowers that grow in the brook in August. Starting in mid-summer and continuing through Fall, the entire area is home to mushrooms of every color. ! ! ! ! ! ! 12-1 Eagle Lake Park Swimming Picnic Area Holden Department of Public Works ! Location: Follow the directions for Eagle Lake, except instead of following Causeway Street to the right and crossing the lake, continue straight and park either on the left side of the road, or continue to the end of the road and park at the beach and recreation area. ! Length: About .60 mile roundtrip ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! There is a short path that follows along the lake. If you parked on the left side at the beginning of the road, you will emerge from this wooded path on the beach, near the water. To complete the trip back to your car, walk along the road. In the Spring, the road is lined with azaleas and various wildflowers including a large area of Pink Lady’s-slippers. ! Eagle Lake - Alder Trail Holden Mass Audubon Society ! Location: From the intersection of Routes 31 and 122A in Holden, travel northwest on Rt 122A for about .90 mile. Turn left onto Kendall Road. Drive for about .40 mile until you see a chain gate on the right side of the road. There is a small pull-off diagonally opposite the gate. Space to park is very limited.

No Dogs Allowed. ! This is a new, level, 1 mile loop trail that takes you through the woods, over a municipal pipeline and along Eagle Lake. There are spectacular views of the lake, especially from a former beach area. The other two Audubon loop trails can be accessed by walking Southwest on the pipeline for .50 mile until you get to the Asnebumskit Loop. You will pass private property and several houses along the way. ! 12-2 Eagle Lake! Holden, Massachusetts

Key! ! Mass Audubon Trails! 122A ! Town of Holden Trail! ! Municipal Pipeline! Connecting Loops! Stump! Stream! Pond Wetlands Beach Private Property! P! ! P P ! Parking! (Adapted from a Mass Audubon map. Town ot P! not an official map) Holden! Recreation Area 122A Street !

Causeway Eagle !

Wetland Lake Pipeline P Fern! Glade Municipal

Adler! Sanctuary! Trail Road Asnebumskit! Appleton! Loop Loop Road

Kendall

Municipal Pipeline P

Private! N Private! Property Property

12/12

East Side Trail Trinity Woods Green Hill Park Worcester The City of Worcester The Greater Worcester Land Trust ! The East Side Trail is a green belt that extends from Cristoforo Columbo Park (East Park) on Shrewsbury Street to Lake Quinsigamond. The trail covers 3.44 miles (one way) and is very well marked with blue paint. There are spur trails that link up with the main trail, as well as several other well marked trails that make up Green Hill Park. Accompanying the map is the official description of the trail. There is also a larger two page map. There are many places to park near this trail, so planning the length walk you want is easy. For this guide, the trail is !divided into four sections. Worcester city park: No dogs allowed. ! 1) Christoforo Columbo Park to Route 9 Location: Park at either end. Shrewsbury Street near the park or at Bell Pond on Belmont Street (Route 9). ! The Trail begins at the stone lions on Shrewsbury Street and follows the path across the park, along the left side of the fenced play area, up the grassy slope and into the woods. The climb through the forest and up the hill is very steep. This section ends with an easy walk along Bell Pond. There are birds, ducks, turtles and frogs in the marshy areas. This section is .625 mile, one way. ! 2) Route 9 to the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial Location: Park at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or at Bell Pond. ! If you start at the Memorial, take the time to enjoy the floral plantings, the walk along the pond and the Memorial’s monuments. At the back of the Memorial, a short “yellow” spur trail will connect you to the East Side Trail. This portion of the trail is a combination of both stoney paths and dirt roads. The highlights of this section are the walk around the quarry, and the view of Bell Pond and beyond, from the elevated vantage point before Route 9. This is an easy .750 mile hike, one way. ! 13-1 3) Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Lake Quinsigamond. Location: Park at the Memorial or along the side of North Lake Drive near the Boat Ramp. ! From the parking area at the Memorial, you can access the main trail. Head East along the stoney path that takes you behind the Zoo and near a stone quarry. You cross Skyline Drive and continue along the wooded trail. This dirt path is smooth and easy. You walk along a cliff and emerge from the woods at the 13th hole of Green Hill Golf Course. From there you walk down a field, cross a stone wall and follow the wooded corridor that takes you between the golf course and an apartment complex. The apartment complex driveway was the end of the trail until the summer of 2011, when the trail was completed. Now, you cross the driveway and follow a brook that takes you by Coal Mine Shaft. Continue following Coal Mine Brook as it cuts its way down the hill, across the access road to Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living facility, emerging from the woods at Plantation Street. This road is heavily trafficked, so cross carefully and follow the path to the trail head near the Boat Ramp on Lake Quinsigamond. The brook is a lot of fun to follow and the views of the brook and Lake Quinsigamond are stunning. This section is about 2 miles each way with an elevation change of about a 370’. ! 4) Trinity Woods to Lake Quinsigamond. Location: Park on Trinity Avenue near the intersection with Bryn Mawr Avenue or along the side of North Lake Drive near the Boat Ramp. ! This is a shorter alternate option for doing the eastern end of the East Side Trail. If you start at the Trinity Spur you follow the trail through the woods down to Coal Mine Brook. The trail divides; if you turn left (northeast) the Brook Loop takes you along Coal Mine Brook and then steeply up hill towards the apartment complex. Follow the path along side of the apartment complex and meet up with the East Side Trail. Follow this down to Lake Quinsigamond as in option 3. On the return trip follow the Trinity Spur to Trinity Avenue. One interesting feature is a bicycle wheel rim that has grown into two trees. This option is about 1 mile each way. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 13-2

Elmer’s Seat Boylston Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: From I-290 East, take Exit 24, Church St. Turn left onto Church St. (continuing as Central St.) and drive for 1.30 miles. Turn right onto Rocky Pond Road. Drive .10 mile and continue straight onto Warren St. Continue for .20 mile and turn at your first left, Maple Way. Continue for about .50 mile and park near 31 Maple Way. You can also access Elmer’s Seat if you park near 14 Pleasant Lane. See the map. ! Length: 1 to 2 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This property is located in a residential area, perched on top of a granite ledge. Currently, there are no signs, designated entrances, or trail markings. There are only a few spots where you can easily climb up onto this interesting property. From the northern part of the property there are nice views of Mt. Wachusett and the surrounding countryside. There is a wetland area as well as a vernal pool. The granite ledges and glacial boulders have many different lichens on them including both Smooth Rock Tripe and Toadskin Lichens. The paths which cross the property were former logging roads. Other paths will be added to make better access to some of the special features. ! In early Spring many Shadbush are in bloom and as Spring ends you’ll see extensive areas of Whorled Loosestrife. Summer brings blueberries and the Fall, a spectacular view. The property is only seven and one-half acres, but it is really fun to explore. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 14 Elmer’s! Seat! Boylston, MA

600’

Pleasant Lane

650’

600’ 14 P 31 P

Maple Way 29 650’

24

N

650’

28

Maple Way

Key! !!! ! Paths! ! Property Boundary! ! Ledge!! ! ! Scenic Overlook! ! Vernal Pool! Pleasant Lane ! Wetlands! ! Parking on side of road! !!!! www.gwlt.org 6/13 God’s Acre or Deed Rock and Tetasset Ridge The City of Worcester The Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: 1) Deed Rock is located East of the airport. Parking is difficult because the roads that access this area are in poor condition. There is a small area for parking near Deed Rock, but Swan Ave. can be barely passable. The easiest place to park is the lot on Outlook Drive, near Swan Ave. It is about a .50 mile walk up Swan Ave. to Deed Rock. (See map for other parking ideas.) 2) Tetasset Ridge is located off of Mill Street. Turn right (West) onto Midgley Avenue, then left onto Esper Avenue. Each of these roads is only a block long. There is a parking area at the end of Esper Avenue on the right side. From here it is a short .60 mile uphill hike to intersect with the “blue square” trail in God’s Acre. 3) Park near Logan Field, located at the intersection of Mill St. and Airport Dr. Starting at the concession stand, walk between the two fields and follow the “blue square” trail up the hill to Deed Rock. It is about a 1.50 mile walk, each way. There are some steep sections, and downed trees to step over. ! Length: There are miles of paths and dirt roads. !Dogs on leashes are allowed. Solomon Parsons deeded these 10 acres to God in 1840. The “deed” was chiseled into a large rock. Today, you can find Deed Rock located at the base of Rattlesnake Ridge. In the Spring, Red Trillium and Wild Sarsaparilla grow near the “rock”. There is a loop trail that passes by Deed Rock. You climb over boulders up the steep ridge. The Greater Worcester Land Trust has also blazed an easier 0.10 mile trail to the left, that avoids the difficult climb. On top, there is a beautiful corridor of Paper Birches and Mountain Laurel. Other highlights include the “open area”, used by the city in the winter to warehouse extra snow. In the summer and fall it is a meadow of wildflowers that offers an excellent !view of the city. Tetasset Ridge has many features besides being a convenient place to park for God’s Acre. The woods have a variety of trees including some venerable Sugar Maples. There are several vernal pools and a stream. White-tailed deer, dozens of Wild Turkeys, and numerous woodpeckers make the area their home, and unusual flora like Maidenhair Ferns, White Baneberry, and Bloodroot grow here. 15 God’s Acre, Tetasset Ridge & Fowler Brook Logan! ! Key! Field ! Property Boundaries! ! East-west Trail (Blue Sq)! P ! Tetasset Hills Trail (Red Sq)! Airport Drive ! White Triangle Trail! ! Red Triangle Trail! ! Alternate paths! Patch ! Streams! Reservoir ! Parking! Fowler Brook South Fork

Airport Drive

A I R P O R T Tetasset Ridge Midgley

PAve Esper Mill Street Mill

Blocked entrance to Drive

highway. Drive

Memorial Outlook

Open ! Drive Area GoddardPath to ! highway God’s! Swan Acre Over-! Swan Drive look Outlook Drive

Deed! Williamsberg ! Rock not a thru! road Drive Easier path! to ridge

N

Swan Ave Paris

DriveAve Wildwood

www.gwlt.org 12/13 Hadwen Arboretum Worcester Clark University ! Location: Hadwen Arboretum is located at the corner of May and Lovell Streets. Parking along either street is impossible. The best place to park will be at the almost completed parking lot at Coes Reservoir/Columbus Park. This parking lot is located at the northwest end of Englewood Avenue. Until it is opened, parking is available at the Knights of Columbus. From here walk northeast to Clark University’s softball field. Walk along the right side of the field and climb up the hill into Hadwen Arboretum. ! Length: up to several miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed ! In 1907 Obadiah Hadwen left this property to Clark University for use as an Arboretum to educate students in the art and science of arbor culture. In 1978, Clark students cataloged 40 different types of trees. Today, many of these trees remain. ! There are two parallel dirt roads that cross the property as well as numerous other paths. Besides the huge diversity in the trees, there are many wildflowers. One stunning display is the White Wood Asters that blanket the forest floor in the fall. This is an easy property to navigate. The map that follows shows the paths that were present in the Spring of 2013. Depending on the trail maintenance; some of these may disappear and others may be newly bush hogged. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 16 Hadwen Arboretum! Worcester, MA

May Street

Reed St

Fairlawn! Rehabilitation! Hospital

May Street

Walworth St

Rosslare Dr Lovell St

Botany! Community! Bay Garden Compost ! Area

P Dewar Dr P Lovell Street

Lovell Dr Minthorne St Knights of Englewood Ave Willow St Columbus P Circuit Ave E

Vincent Ave Wharton St Clive St Minthorne St N

Columbus! Genoa St Park 5/13

! Key! ! Dirt Road! ! Paths! ! path & road markings! ! Private Paths! ! Property Boundary! ! P Parking! (not an official map) ! Hadwen Park Worcester City of Worcester ! Location: The main entrance to Hadwen Park is located on Heard Street .20 mile from Stafford Street. Immediately after the railroad tracks turn left into the parking area. ! During the winter the parking area on Heard Street is blocked off. Parking is available on the side of Knox Street on the eastern side of the park. ! Length: 3-4 miles ! Worcester city park: No dogs allowed. ! This park has many diverse features. There is Curtis Pond and the wetland associated with it, a brook, a forest, and an esker. There is a series of paths that cross each other affording the hiker endless hiking options. The section of Knox Street that runs through the park, is now a walking path that links many of the trails together. The paths accessing the esker often have dramatic elevation changes. A Barred Owl inhabits these woods. ! This park is enjoyable to visit at any time of the year. The inhabitants of the pond change with the seasons. Mute Swans, Cormorants, Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese and Great Blue Herons are spotted at various times of the year, and there are a variety of diving ducks that visit in the Fall and Winter. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 17 Hadwen Park! Worcester, MA

to Stafford St ! Key! ! Yellow Triangle Trail! ! Red Square Trail! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Tetasset Hills Trail)! ! Blue Circle Trail! ! Yellow Square Trail! ! Blue Square (Esker)! Genesee St ! Yellow Circle Trail! Street Curtis! Pond ! (Caretaker’s Path)! ! Other paths! ! Property Boundary! Heard ! Playground! ! Wetlands! Carleton St P

Waterman St

Truro St

Lanark St road thru a not - St Knox N

Dunbar St

Heard Street

Linda Vista St

Knox St

P 4/13 Kettle Brook Worcester The Greater Worcester Land Trust Worcester Academy ! Location: 1) From the intersection of Park Ave (Route 9), Main St., and Stafford St., drive South on Stafford St. for 1.30 miles. Park on the right side of the road at the gated lot of Bulbs.com or at Worcester Academy’s “New Balance Fields”.

2) Kettle Brook Lofts, 1511 Main St. (Route 9), Worcester, is located at the other end of the trail. They will be building spaces at the trailhead for public access to this conservation area. You can also park at the GWLT gate on Aldena Road (see map). ! Length: 2 to 3 miles. ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This is an easy hike except for some short steep areas. Worcester Academy’s fields were designed to fit neatly within the space bordered by Kettle Brook. From Stafford Street parking, you follow a wide dirt path along the brook. The path is well marked with white paint. Even rocks or roots on the path are painted to help Worcester Academy’s cross-country runners. The path has a wide variety of woodland flora, including Red Trillium, Solomon’s-seals, Wild Sarsaparilla, and Hobblebushes, and the brook has several types of fish in it. ! The path turns to the right after about .75 mile. There is a gorge and the remnants of a large stone dam. Depending on the time of year and water level of the brook, you can explore the area around the dam. ! The path that continues straight (North) goes for about .20 mile to the property boundary. Beyond, The Kettle Brook Lofts is a condominium development situated on the brook and on top of a nice waterfall. ! ! ! ! ! 18 Kettle Brook Worcester, MA

Ave

Main Street Rt 9 Aldena Rd Kettle Mc Carthy GWLT P Brook Gate Lofts

Ludlow St

N G W L T

Key Farmington St

Mildred Ave Property Boundary Path (blazed-white) Hyatt St Alternate paths Brook Wetland Parking P New Balance Ludlow St 0 500’ 1000’ Fields W O R C E S T E R A C A D E M Y P P

Ingram Rd

Stafford Street www.gwlt.org 11/14 Kinneywoods & Cook’s Woods Worcester, Holden City of Worcester The Greater Worcester Land Trust White Oak Land Conservation Society

Location: From the intersection of Pleasant and Chandler Streets (in front of the Santander Bank), take Mower Street for about .15 mile and bear slightly right onto Olean Street. Continue for .70 mile and turn right onto Dawson Rd. Drive .50 mile to the end of Dawson Road. (The last .20 mile is unpaved and has many potholes.) Park in front of the gate. Please don’t block the private driveway.

Length: 3 miles or more.

Dogs on leashes are allowed.

This is a beautiful hardwood forest. Various conservation groups have combined to form a truly wonderful collection of properties. The Cook’s Path (blue blazes) heads East to Brigham Street. You will cross some streams, stone walls and power lines. On the return trip, take the Crystal Pond Loop (red blazes) that heads North, then West along the Worcester/Holden town line. This trail ends near scenic Crystal Pond. There is an understory of Mountain Laurels and Paper Birches that make a stunning contrast against the pond.

The Dresser Loop (yellow blazes) takes you North along streams, crosses wetlands and climb hills. In the Spring you will find Red Trillium, Dwarf Ginseng, and Wood Anemones along this path and Marsh-marigolds and Indian Poke in the streams. One highlight near the top of the Dresser Loop is a huge glacial boulder with a Black Birch growing out of it. The Cross Loop Trail (red triangle blazes) takes you to the property’s Northwestern corner where you will find the stone wall boundaries forming a cross.

Hunting is allowed in the Holden portion of the property, so wearing bright colors during Hunting Season is recommended. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays.

19-1 Holbrook Forest Holden White Oak Land Conservation Society

Location: From the intersection of Salisbury Street and Fisher Road in Holden, take Fisher Road West for .60 mile. The parking lot is on the left side of the road.

Length: 1.50 miles and more depending on the paths walked.

Dogs on leashes are allowed.

This property joins Kinneywoods and Cook’s Woods on the Worcester/Holden boundary. This trio of properties offer a wide variety of hiking options. In contrast to the other two properties, Holbrook Forest is relatively flat with broad paths, remnants of old logging roads. The open areas created from logging activity have created a place for wildflowers, blueberries and blackberries to grow. In the fall the brilliant red leaves of the blueberries, line the paths.

To lengthen your hike, take the Kinneywoods Loop to a short path that connects you to the Dresser Loop in Kinneywoods. This enables you to walk the entire combination of properties.

The Wall Trail follows a beautiful stone wall property boundary. Another highlight is Cousins’ Rock, a former meeting place for children. There will soon be a path to Cousins’ Rock. This quartz glacial erratic is nestled in a dense grove of young White Pine trees.

This is a multi-use property. Wear blaze orange or other bright clothing during hunting season. No hunting is permitted on Sunday.

19-2 Kinneywoods &

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Brigham Road

Moreland Green Dr

Dawson Road Key Cook’s Path Connecting Paths Cascades Crystal Pond Loop Private Paths

East Cataract St Dresser Loop Property Boundaries Cross Loop Trail Streams

Blackberry Trail 0 0 0 0 0 Stone Walls Olean St Kinneywood Loop Wetlands Wall Trail Contour Lines Cousins’ Rock Trail P Parking 11/14 0 500’ 1000’ 1500’ www.gwlt.org Lake Park Worcester City of Worcester ! Location: Lake Park is located on Lake Avenue about a mile South of the intersection of Route 9 and Lake. From Lake Avenue head West up Hamilton Street. There is parking near Tivnan Field and another a block West on Coburn Ave across from Morano Field. ! Length: 3-4 miles ! Worcester city park: No dogs allowed. ! Lake Park has well established paths that are easy to walk on. The trails are under a canopy of towering oak trees, but there is sufficient open area to allow wild flowers to flourish. There is a path that takes you along a wetland that offers a different ecology. The paths intersect to create many walking options. Currently, the paths are marked only at major intersections. ! The following map has been modified, from the one posted, to reflect the paths that are currently being used. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 20 Lake Park! Worcester To Rte 9

Nonquit Street L a k e Q u i n s g a m o d

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Lake Ave Touraine St

Coburn Ave Not ! currently! being! used

Animal! Morano! Feed Shed Lake Park ! Field ! Bigelow Davis Pkwy Community Quinsigamond! Basket-! House ball State Park P Rest- Hamilton St rooms P Tivnan! Field

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! !+++++++++++++ P Parking! +++++++++++++ Stream! Wetlands! N E +++++++++++++ Playground! +++++++++++++! Twin! E “Twin Sisters” Boulders ! Sisters! F Tower Ruins! Alternate Paths!! ! ! +++++++ (Not an official map) To Rte 20 10/14 ! Trails!! ! ! ! ! ! The Circuit! ! Mid-Wood Loop (or Doe Trail)!!Davis Way! ! Bigelow Way!! ! ! ! Boulder Trail!! ! ! Tower Trail!! ! ! ! Wintergreen Trail! ! Wooded Swamp Trail!! ! ! Wildwood Trail! ! Samuel’s Run!! ! ! ! Cellar Hole Trail! Moore State Park Paxton Commonwealth of Massachusetts ! Location: Take Route 122 to the center of Paxton. At the lights, turn South onto Route 31 (West Street). Travel about 1.30 miles. Bear right onto Mill Street. The parking area will be on the left. ! Length: 1 mile and up. ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! Moore State Park is a combination of spectacular cultivated displays of rhododendrons and azaleas with paved paths, and easy hiking paths through the woods on this former estate. ! Moore can be enjoyed all year round. The paved paths are plowed in the winter. ! Highlights: Floral displays in early June Artist Overlook - inspirational view of the1740‘s sawmill Waterfalls and ponds There is a 1 mile DCR “Healthy Heart” trail. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 21 Moore

. State Park d C R m a a rr h u g t ri h B R d . FORBUSH BIRD CLUB SANCTUARY il a r . T d R . s d vi R a il D m a r a a T h airw y St p g e L i D h o N o r T o a o B L

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2009 J Davis Hill Moreland Woods Worcester The Worcester Conservation Commission The Greater Worcester Land Trust The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ! Location: The easiest access is near the top of Moreland Street, on the section that leads down (East) to Salisbury Street. A green sign marks the entrance (see northern portion of map). The trailhead is found here. Park on one of the side streets. (The other access point, on the flat portion of Moreland Street has a lot of vines, thorny bushes and wetlands which make it impassable.) ! Length: 1 - 2 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! Follow the access corridor to the loop trail that circles the property. The trail takes you near the wetlands, winds through the woods, and follows a steam. In the wetland areas you can find Marsh-marigolds in the Spring and asters in the Fall. This area is full of birds and wildlife. Wild Turkeys are often seen or heard, along with many other bird species including Barred Owls, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Cardinals, and American Robins. A pair of White-tailed Deer was also spotted recently. You complete the loop in an evergreen grove of White Pine and Eastern Hemlock. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 22 Moreland Woods! Worcester, MA

To! P P Salisbury St

Carter Rd Brigham Rd Brigham

Moreland Street www.gwlt.org

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Key! !! !!Path!! !!Property Boundary! !!Stream! !!Private path! !!Park on side streets! !!P Evergreen grove! !!Wetlands! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

!!0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ! Stone walls! Newton Hill Worcester City of Worcester

Location: Behind Doherty High School and bordered by Pleasant Street and Park Avenue

Length: Paths vary from a few tenths of a mile to a mile or so.

Worcester city park: No dogs allowed.

There are several well maintained and marked dirt roads and trails, as well as some well traveled unnamed trails. The park now includes an 18-hole disc golf course, so many of the natural areas have been replaced by golf holes. The disc golf course crosses the paths, but golfers are respectful of walkers. The course is used mostly in late afternoon and on weekends.

There is still interesting flora, as well as squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. You also get a lot of exercise walking up and down the hill. It’s fun to cross-country ski and snowshoe here in the winter.

Elm Park Worcester City of Worcester

Location: Bordered by Highland Street, Park Avenue, Elm Street, and Russell Street

Elm Park has two miles of tree lined walking paths, that take you by a large pond spanned by two foot bridges. There is a playground and areas for varied outdoor activities.

23 WELCOME TO NEWTON HILL D S U B U R B A N R Friends of !ewton Hill At Elm Park

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N O T W H L A N D S T E H I G N NEWTON SQUARE Park Facility Rogers Kennedy Memorial

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MAP KEY Highlander Summit Loop Road

You AreL Here Bike Rack P L A Lincoln Newton R ParkingE Picnic Tables Stroll Trail D E F 2’ Contours Playground East-West Old Basket Structure Trail Cart Path Nick’s Woods The Greater Worcester Land Trust Worcester ! Location: Nick’s Woods is located in the triangle formed between Grove and Holden Streets. The property sign is located on Grove Street, but the best access to the property, is from Smith Lane. Smith Lane is located off Holden Street, just South of the intersection with Brattle Street. The entrance to the property is at the end of Smith Lane. There is room to park a few cars on the left side. The trail is the dirt road on the left. The road to the right is a private driveway, so please don’t block it. ! Two other places to park are across Holden Street at the Triumphant Life Church or along the side of Stetson Road. It’s a short walk down Smith Lane to the trailhead. ! Length: 2 - 3 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! The main path is a rocky dirt road that runs along the North side of Sargent Brook. It is an easy walk that takes you from Smith Lane to the end of the property at the power lines. There are several alternate route choices at this end of the road. A fun detour is walking out on the old dam. It offers a great view looking down the brook. Many different flower species decorate the banks. You can return following the same dirt roads back to Smith Lane or follow the “Yellow-Triangle Trail” that crosses Sargent Brook near the power lines. This path takes you to the South side of the property, where you hike through woods which feature Mountain Laurel and Witch Hazel. This side gives you a good look at the old dam and brook, as well as taking you through a large boulder field on the “Glacial Erratic Trail”. The trails on the southern side of the brook are more challenging with several streams to cross. ! ! ! ! ! ! 24 Nick’s Woods! Worcester, MA ! Key! ++++++++++++++++++++++ ! ! Dirt Road/Blue Square Trail! H O L D E N ! Yellow Triangle Trail ! W O R C E S T E R ! (Also Yellow Square Trail)! ! Glacial Erratic Trail! +++++++++++-!+++++++++++ ! Glacial Boulder Tour Loop ! ! Property Boundary! ! Brook! ! 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !+++++++++++++ ! Stone Walls! +++++++++++++ ! Glacial Boulder! ! Wetlands! St Brattle Water Easement ! Foundations! Old Mill! ++++++++++++! ! Parking Pond ++++++++++++ P Holden St +++++++++++++++++++++++++! 122A Old Dam!

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122A www.gwlt.org 11/13 Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge Harvard, Lancaster, Shirley, Ayer U S Fish and Wildlife Service ! Location: 1) Riverside Trail, Turnpike Trail and Tank Road: Still Water Depot Road, Harvard MA From the intersection of Routes 110 and 117 in Harvard, travel 3 miles North on Route 110. Turn left onto Still Water Depot Road. Drive approximately .60 mile. Cross the railroad tracks, the parking area will be on the right. 2) Esker Loop Trail: Off Walker Road in Shirley. From Route 2 East, Take exit 36 towards Shirley Road. Take Shirley Rd. for about 2.20 miles. Turn right onto Main St. and continue for 1.80 miles. Turn left onto Walker Road, cross the railroad tracks, and drive .80 mile. The Refuge will be on the right. ! This refuge was established in 1974 beginning with land transfers from the Department of Defense. It now encompasses 1667 acres and protects 8 miles of the . Trails are being developed for people to be able to observe nature. No Dogs Allowed. ! 1) Riverside Trail, Turnpike Trail and Tank Road. Harvard MA This is a level 1.90 mile loop trail that takes you along the Nashua River and through wetlands. There are numerous wooden bridges and walkways over the wetter areas. During wet periods, part of the trail can become temporarily flooded. There are 12 stations around the loop that help describe the natural world around you. The Goddard Trail can be accessed by walking North on the Tank Road. See the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ Oxbow/visit/plan_your_visit.html for more information and complete directions. ! 2) Esker Loop Trail. Off Walker Road in Shirley. This is a 2 mile hike. Start by following the dirt road and walking next to an esker. After about .50 mile you turn right and climb steeply up onto the esker. Follow the top of the esker for about another .50 mile. From this vantage point, you get great views of the Nashua River and the forest around you. At the end of the property, there is another very steep climb back down to the dirt road. Return to the parking area on the dirt road. ! 25 Impassable at 6 high water

Tur npik e Tr 5 ail 4 7 3

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Trail 1 NORTH 1 12 Trail Stations one tenth mile Start Interpretive Trail Parking General Canoe Launch Parking Marsh Still River Depot Road Water Canoe Launch Parking

! Interpretive Trail Stations 1) Nashua River 5) Slough 9) Glacial Terrace 2) Reading the Landscape 6) Bridge Abutment 10) Tank Road 3) Natural Levee 7) Beaver Lodge 11) Turnpike Trail ! 4) Riparian Forest 8) Turnpike Trail 12) Beaver Management The complete descriptions can be found in a brochure at the Kiosk in the parking area on Still River Depot Road. It can also be downloaded from: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/ Eastern_Massachusetts_Complex/Oxbow/OxbowTrails.pdf Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge! Esker Loop Trail! Shirley & Ayer, MA

Shirley N 2A

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++++++++++++++++++++++++++! +++++++++++++! +++++++++++++ Nashua +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++! Shop ! +++++++++++++ Pond +++++++++++! W. Main St Key! +++++++++++++! ! +++++++++++++ Walker Rd +++++++++++++ ! Dirt Road! W. Main St ! Path on Esker! ! Streams & Rivers! ! Town Line! ! P Parking ! Grant Rd (not an official map) 11/12 Parson’s Cider Mill and Marois 28 Worcester Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: Parson’s Cider Mill: Intersection of Goddard Memorial Drive and Apricot Street. Robert H. Goddard Memorial is on the corner. The parking area is West of the Memorial, on the right hand side of Apricot Street. Marois 28: parking along Beatrice Drive is suggested. ! Length: 1.5 miles and up. Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! The Parson’s Cider Mill section of this property is an easy walk along dirt paths/ roads. It begins at the former Mill’s foundation, situated over a stream. The path takes you along two man-made ponds and a stream. You can walk around the second pond. ! The second property, Marois 28, is connected by a path from the far end of the second pond. You can walk either direction around a wetland area. To the right you pass a drainage channel from Goddard Memorial Drive. Continuing, you walk on a narrow path on the border of the wetlands, reaching a cinder road that takes you up the hill to Goddard Memorial Drive. You emerge from the woods across from Beatrice Drive. From the cinder road, several other paths that head North, can be accessed. ! Walking to the left you pass a campfire site and the wetland. In August there is an explosion of Cardinal-flowers, Monkey-flowers, Joe-Pye-weed and Jewelweed. A trail has recently been blazed that completes a loop trail around the wetland. This trail is very rocky and has a stream that needs to be crossed, so the footing is more precarious in this area. ! Highlights: In the spring, there is a huge expanse of Bloodroot, Marsh-marigolds along the streams and mating Mallard Ducks. In the summer, a cormorant was found enjoying a pond. ! The only drawback to this property is that it is located behind two schools. There is usually some litter along the paths. Trash can be deposited in the receptacle at the Goddard Memorial located a few yards from the parking area. 26 Parson’s Cider Mill and Marois 28! Worcester, MA

! Key! ! Path/Dirt Road! ! Alternate Paths! ! (Tetasset Hills Trail Segments)! ! Additional Paths! ! ! P ! Property Boundaries! Beatrice Dr ! Stream! ! Wetlands! ! Pine Grove! ! ! Parking! !!P ! Marois 28 Parsons Hill Dr

Goddard Memorial Drive

Wildwood N

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Worcester Sullivan! Parsons Leicester Hill Dr Middle School Cider ! Robert! Mill . Goddard! Memorial Apricot Street P

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Main Street (Route 9) www.gwlt.org 4/14 Patch Reservoir Worcester City of Worcester ! Location: Mill Street .40 mile South of the intersection of Mill Street and Airport Drive. There is a sign for Patch Reservoir and a wide shoulder on the East side of the road that accommodates parking for several cars. Canoes and non-motorized boats can put in here. To locate the path, walk South for about a minute and enter the woods beyond the house with the white plastic fence (464 Mill Street). ! Length: 1 - 1.50 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This begins as a moderately difficult hike. There is a well established path that runs along the edge of the reservoir affording terrific views of the water and the Mute Swans that frequent the area. The first portion of the trail is quite narrow and has rocks, roots, and some poison ivy to deal with. A few areas can also test your balance. After you reach Tatnuck Brook and head North the trail becomes wider and much easier. The area is honeycombed with intersecting small paths. You end up at a stepped waterfall that is impressive in the Spring or after a heavy rain. Complete the walk by returning the way you came. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 27 Patch Conservation Area! Worcester, MA

Airport LoganDrive !

Field Mill Street Mill Chandler Street

Hunthurst Circle White Dr. Patch Reservoir Rockwood! Field Breeze Dr

Waterfall Glendale St W O R C E S T E R! Dr ! S T A! T E! N Kay St U N I V E R S I T Y Reservoir P

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Key! ! Tatnuck ! Path! ! Brook! ! Property Boundary! St Glendale ! East-west Trail! Midgley Ave ! 464 Mill Street! Terrace Patch ! Boat Access! June St Pond

! *P Parking! Street Mill (not an official map) Fisher Rd

June St 10/14 Perkins Farm Worcester Worcester Conservation Commission ! Location: Route 122 - Grafton Street. Located at the Perkins Farm Marketplace. There are signs that designate where to park, behind the right side of the Stop & Shop. ! Length: There are many different trails that crisscross this property. You can walk as far as you want, for up to several miles. ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This is the site of the last farm in Worcester. It is an area which is forested with beautiful large oak trees that form a majestic canopy over the property. There is a short uphill climb to get into the property, but after that, most of the paths are relatively flat. The understory contains blueberries, Bracken Ferns, Sweetfern, Sassafras, Wild Indigo and other wild flowers. In the Spring, one trail has a cluster of Pink Lady’s-slippers. ! Highlight: There are two paths that have extensions that overlook the railroad tracks and Lake Quinsigamond. The view is memorable in the Spring and Fall when the foliage is absent. One caution - don’t venture out onto the railroad tracks. These are two active CSX tracks and trains regularly come by at high speed. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 28 Perkins Farm at Perkins Farm Marketplace !

Worcester, MA ++++++++++++++++++++

! ! To Protect the Environment! Lake Quinsigamond No motorized vehicles, dumping, fires, hunting, firearms, trapping, G alcoholic beverages, or tree cutting. Cellar Hole Do not pick flowers or remove plants. 4 ++++ Trail ! !F E +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ D H I Trail! Closed Trail Cellar Hole

Trail J

Vernal Pool!Trail 3 5 Overlook Oak Trail Oak Trail C 6

2 Trail Chestnut-Oak Towhee Trail

CW Price Trail B Overlook 10

Grafton St - Rt 122 ! Blue Bird Trail M 1 7 Trail K A 8 Stop & Birch 9 Tiger Beetle Trail L Shop P ! Points of Interest! A & L! Glacial Erratics! B ! American Chestnut-living stump! C ! Mature Oak woodland! D & E! Cellar Holes! F! Foundation! G! Spring! H & I! Cellar Holes! N J! Former overlook! K ! Tiger Beetles (May-June)! !M! Underground camp ! ! P Parking! 9/12 Pierpont Meadow Dudley Mass Audubon Society ! Directions: From Worcester take Rte I-290 South to Rte. 395. Follow Rte I-395 South to exit 4B to Oxford Center. At the traffic light in Oxford center continue straight onto Charlton Road. Follow Charlton Road for .70 mile and take a left on Dudley Road (not Old Dudley Road). Go approximately 3 miles and take a right on Marsh Road (not Henry Marsh Road). The sanctuary is 0.25 miles on your left. ! Length: Several miles ! No Dogs Allowed. ! Pierpont Meadow is a combination of many environments that make this a fun place to explore. There are wetlands and a meadow with a mown path around it. Here you can find beautiful flowering plants and dozens of species of butterflies and dragonflies throughout Spring, Summer and Fall. The woodlands are dominated by towering White Pine trees. In the Spring you can find Fringed Polygala and Pink Lady’s-slippers along some paths. Pierpont Meadow Pond has Bullhead-lilies and Fragrant Water-lilies floating on the surface, and there is often a Great Blue Heron hiding somewhere in the pond. The whole property attracts many species of birds. All of the different roads and paths are relatively flat and smooth, and easy to walk. ! Near the pond is a cottage that can be rented. There is nearby access to the pond for swimming and canoeing. A canoe is included with the cottage rental. Check with Mass Audubon for details. ! Website: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/ !pierpont-meadow/about/cottage-rental ! Central/West Regional Property Office Phone: 978-464-2712 Ext. 8702 ! email: [email protected]! ! ! ! ! ! 29 Pierpont Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary Dudley, MA 978-464-2712 [email protected] www.massaudubon.org

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S Pine Glen West Boylston The Greater Worcester Land Trust ! Location: From the junction of Routes 12 and 140 in West Boylston, drive North about .50 mile. Just before a railroad overpass, turn left onto Goodale Street. Drive for .60 mile, Pine Glen will be on the left side of the street. Continue past Pine Glen and turn left on to Marsh Hawk Way. Park on the side of the road. ! Length: Less than a mile ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! There is a very short moderately easy trail that takes you into the glen. The path follows and crosses a seasonal stream as it meanders through the property. In Spring there are daffodils and periwinkles that line the trail. Summer brings Celandine and Dame’s Rocket followed in late summer by a massive display of Jewelweed. In winter you can follow deer tracks down the path. This property gives you the opportunity to get out into nature without walking very far. There is a spot beside the stream where a bench is located. Sit here under a White Pine tree and enjoy being out in nature. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 30 Pine Glen! West Boylston ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thomas St Insert for Pine Glen

++++++++++++++++++++++++++! Wachuset West Boylston Reservoir Junior-Senior High ! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 140 School Crescent St Goodale St Crescent St 12

Goodale! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++! Park

Goodale St +++++++++++++ Malden St +++++++++++++! Sterling St

! See Insert ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Newton St

P P Worcester St Marsh ! Hawk Way* ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Marsh Hawk Way Scarlett St Goodale St

+++++++++++++!+++++++++++++ 140 N 12 Carrols Pond ! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1/13 Lost Oak Rd

Worcester St Franklin St

++++++++++++ ! Key! Prospect St ++++++++++++! ! Trail ! Pine Glen! W. Boylston St

! Steam Wetlands! 12 ! ! Property Boundary!! Bench! 140 +++++++++++! * +++++++++++! Rail Tracks!! ! Playground! ! !! ! !P Parking www.gwlt.org 11/13 Porcupine Hill & Potter Sanctuary Holden/Paxton Line White Oak Land Conservation Society ! Location: Porcupine Hill is on Route 31 on the Paxton/Holden Line .40 mile West of South Road in Holden. Potter Sanctuary is about .10 mile further West. Currently there isn’t a sign, look for mailbox #215. Park on either side of the pull off. ! Length: 2 - 3 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! These are a pair of lovely adjoining wooded properties. There are well-marked trails that combine for a variety of easy hikes. Blue markers indicate going out and yellow markers indicate that you are returning to the Porcupine Hill parking lot. White markers return you to the Potter Sanctuary parking area. It is easy to walk the .10 mile distance between the two parking areas on the highway. ! Porcupine Hill: This hike begins on the Peabody Family Trail. This trail is narrow in sections and takes you through dense thickets of Mountain Laurel. You’ll find Sweet-pepperbush and Indian Cucumber Root along the sides of the trail. There are some rocks, stumps and roots to look out for. Damper areas have wooden bridges over them. You continue the climb up the hill over granite ledges on the Wilson Way loop trail. You will pass a picnic table set off on a nice ledge. For a longer hike, you can access the Summit Loop and Hemlock Path from here. ! Potter Sanctuary: Follow the winding dirt road North to Newton Trail on your left. In Spring, Fall and Winter when the leaves are off the trees, there is a nice view of Asnebumskit Pond. This trail takes you to Porcupine Hill’s Peabody Family Path where you have a choice of going North to the summit loop trails, or heading South to a connecting path that takes you past Potter Lodge and to the dirt road in Potter Sanctuary. ! In the Spring these properties are alive with flowers such as Fringed Polygala, Clintonia and Pink Lady’s-slippers. In mid-June there is a spectacular display of Mountain Laurel. In the Fall you will find many varieties of asters, and Witch Hazel in bloom. ! 31 Potter Sanctuary and Porcupine Hill Paxton and Holden, MA

H O L D E N P A X T O N

Hemlock Path Map Key

Porcupine Hill Trails Summit Potter Trails Loop Property Boundaries Wilson Way Stream Wetlands P O R C U P I N E Picnic Table H I L L Trail Markings Blue blazes are heading away from the parking area. Yellow blazes are returning to the Porcupine Hill lot. White blazes are returning to the Potter parking area.

During hunting season, bright colors are recommended for people and pets.

Newton Trail 11/14 P O T T E R S A N C T U A R Y Peabody Family Path

31 South Rd 4/10 mile P Potter Porcupine Lodge Hill Rotary Lodge N Asnebumskit Pond Paxton Road

Potter P Sanctuary #215

31 Whit Oak Land Conservaton Societ Poutwater Pond Holden/Sterling Line Massachusetts Nature Preserve Council ! Location: From the intersection of Routes 122A and 31 in Holden, drive North on Route 31 for 3.10 miles. Turn right onto Mason Road. Travel for 1.20 miles, then turn right onto Sterling Road. Drive for 1.60 miles to the Holden/Sterling town line. Park in the lot on the left side of the road. ! Length: 2 miles ! No Dogs Allowed. ! Poutwater Pond has a bog. It is part of the Watershed and a multi-use property. During hunting season, wear bright colorful clothing. No hunting is permitted on Sunday. ! The bog is a wonderful, colorful world of plants only associated with bogs. There are Northern Pitcher Plants, Water Willows, Small Cranberries, Sundews, Arrow Alums, Pale Laurels, as well as Calopogon and White Fringed Orchids. You’ll also find a wide variety of dragonflies and butterflies. To get to the bog, you follow dirt logging roads through the woods for about .70 mile. Turn right at the first intersection and then left at the next two cross roads. ! The path through the bog is a series of plastic walkway sections. When entering the bog, be careful stepping onto the first section, the walkway will sink. I’d suggest that you move onto the second section before anyone else enters the bog. This walkway was rebuilt in 2012 and is currently in great shape, but sphagnum peat moss will begin growing and obscure some of the walkway. When it does, be careful not to step in the gaps between the sections. ! Your feet will probably not get wet, but in the past I have suggested changing into old sandals (like Tevas) and old socks just before you enter the bog. ! ! ! ! ! 32 Poutwater Pond! Holden and Sterling

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Change! Footware

Poutwatr Pond Road Hill Pikes

W A C H U S E T T Pamela Ln R E S E R V O I R W A T E R S H E D Holden Road

Key! Recent ! Dirt Road to Bog! Logging Activity S T E R L I N G ! Other Dirt Roads! H O L D E N ! Direction to Travel! ! Bog Walkway! ! Watershed Boundary! ! Streams! Sterling Road ! Wet areas! ! Park! ! ! (Not an official map) 4/13

!Special Instructions In 2012 the walkway in the bog was rebuilt. Now, if you are careful entering the bog, !you probably won’t get wet, but it isn’t a bad idea to follow the following instructions. Wear your normal sneakers or hiking boots. !Bring the following: 1)An OLD pair of Teva sandals or OLD sneakers 2)An OLD Pair of Socks. (Change just before you go into the bog.) 3)A plastic bottle filled with water to rinse your feet. (one bottle will rinse off 2 people) 4)A small OLD hand towel to dry off with. 5)A plastic bag to put wet things in, to carry out. Purgatory Chasm State Reservation Sutton Commonwealth of Massachusetts - DCR ! Location: From Route 146 take Exit 6, Purgatory Road. Continue West for .25 mile to the Reservation’s entrance and the visitor center. ! Length: 4 miles ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! If you grew up in this area, you probably took a school field trip to Purgatory Chasm. This property is more than the Chasm. There are miles of moderate to difficult trails around the chasm, including a DCR “Healthy Trail”. Most of the dirt roads and trails involve elevation changes and there are many tree roots and rocks that need to be avoided. There is a vernal pool to be explored in the Spring and mushrooms of every shape and size in the Fall. ! The chasm itself is a unique natural landmark that is .25 mile long with granite walls rising 70 feet on either side. The chasm is thought to have been formed near the end of the last glacier, 14,000 years ago. There is a visitor center that has displays that explain the geology as well as the history and flora and fauna of the area. There are several picnic areas. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 33 Purgatory Chasm! Sutton, MA Rail Trails Mass Central Rail Trail - Wachusett Greenways Section ! Wachusett Greenways is working to open new Rail Trail sections. Following are four suggestions. ! Sterling ! Location: From Route 12 in Sterling Center, turn Southeast onto Waushacum Avenue. Travel about .10 mile, turn right into the Sterling Cider Mill Complex. Park beyond “Oh My Gosh Antiques & Collectibles”. On the way out, Waushacum Ave is one way, but turning either right or left on School Street will help you get back to Route 12. ! Dogs are only allowed for the first .20 mile, after that they are not allowed. ! This section is 1.70 miles long. It takes you through wetlands, woodland and between two picturesque ponds. There are opportunities to see many wildflowers, birds and woodland creatures. ! West Boylston ! Location: From Route I-190 take exit 5, Route 140 South. Drive about 1.20 miles to the intersection where Route 140 turns left. Instead, bear right onto Thomas Street. Continue approximately .10 mile to the Thomas Street Parking Lot on the right side of the road. ! Dogs on leashes are permitted on the trail for about the first 1.50 miles. After passing under Route I-190, the trail becomes part of the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed, and no dogs are allowed. ! From the parking area head West along the path. You will pass through a chain link fence and by a sign for Bonci-Warren Fire Training Facility before you get to the official start of the trail. ! This Rail Trail follows the . There are side trails that can be explored as well as remnants of the Springdale Woolen Mill complex. Wild flowers and lots of small animals can be seen along the trail. 34-1 Holden ! Location: From the intersection of Route 122A and Route 31 in Holden, drive about 1.40 miles North on Route 31. Turn right onto Wachusett Street and then in .10 mile turn left onto River Road. Continue on River Road for about .90 mile. The Rail Trail parking area will be on the left. ! No Dogs Allowed. ! From this River Street parking area, you will find a hair pin turn. If you head East, you can access the same 3 mile section as you would from West Boylston. If you head West, you will continue to follow the Quinapoxet River, but the trail is narrower, hillier and has tighter turns, than the standard Rail Trail path. Either direction has a nice assortment of flora and fauna. ! Rutland ! Location: From the intersection of Routes 122 and 122A in Rutland, travel northwest for .90 miles. The large parking area will be on the right. There is a sign for the Rail Trail along with a small sign for the Midstate Trail which crosses Route 122 and the Rail Trail here. ! Dogs on leashes are allowed. ! This is a nice tree-lined trail that gives you excellent views of ponds and wetlands. From this parking area you can walk in either direction. There are many side trails that take you into the woods and along side ponds. ! Maps Wachusett Greenways has recently updated their maps. There is an overview and eight enlarged sections. Refer to the following overview map for additional options. For the eight enlarged sections see: http://www.wachusettgreenways.org/WG%20Trail%20Map.htm ! ! ! ! ! 34-2

Rocky Pond Community Forest Boylston New England Forestry Foundation

Location: Rocky Pond Rd.: From I-290 East, take Exit 24, Church St. Turn left, on Church St./Central St. and drive 1.30 miles. Turn right onto Rocky Pond Rd. Drive .10 mile, turn right, continuing on Rocky Pond Rd. for about .20 mile. 1) Park on the right side of the road for a pond view, and access to a dead end/former logging road. 2) Continue on Rocky Pond Rd. for an additional .50 mile. There is a sign at the trailhead and an area to park on the left side of the road. Green St.: From the corner of Central St. and Rocky Pond Rd. drive .10 mile and continue straight onto Warren St. Drive .70 mile and bear right onto Green St. Continue for .80 mile, passing Mile Hill Rd. on the left. 3) At the sign, park on the right side of Green St.

Length: The trails and roads can be combined for several miles of hiking. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

This is a sustainably managed forest. The New England Forestry Foundation manages this forest to create income while conserving it for wildlife and the community. The property has old logging paths and a hiking trail that take you through this beautiful diverse forest. The trails are lined with ferns and various wildflowers. There are tall trees as well as an understory of Witch Hazel and young trees. There are many glacial boulders throughout the property.

The 1.20 mile hiking path has entrances on Rocky Pond Rd. and Green St. At the midpoint of the path is an open area on Rocky Pond where you get an excellent view of the pond and some huge glacial boulders. This area can be accessed from all three parking areas. The easiest walk is from 1) parking area and the dead end/former logging road. You pass private homes, then enter the woods.

The other two sections of the trail have some challenges. Both have areas of moss covered rocks that need to be navigated. Using a hiking pole or walking stick may be helpful. One rocky portion South of the open area is poorly marked. Look for orange flagging tape, as you pick your way through the rocks. Another observation: after periods of wet weather, several spots on the path may have standing water on them. Also, in mid-summer, if the path has not been recently cleared, there will be many thorny fruit bushes arching into the path. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of clippers with you. 35 Rocky Pond Community Forest Boylston, Northborough

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Woods Roads Road Path, Yellow blazes Hill Mile & orange flagging Property Boundary Streams

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0 0 0 0 0 0 Distances 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.60 mile Rocky Pond Rd. to open area on pond. 1.20 miles Rocky Pond Rd. to Green St. 11/14 Sibley Farm Spencer Common Ground The Greater Worcester Land Trust Mass Audubon

Location: From the intersection of Route 9 and Greenville Street in Spencer drive for 1 mile on Greenville Street. There is a parking area on the left that is a starting point for both Sibley Farm and Mass Audubon’s Burncoat Pond Sanctuary.

Length: There are several trails that can be combined for many miles of hiking.

Dogs on leashes are allowed on the Sibley Farm portion of the property. Dogs are not allowed on Mass Audubon’s Burncoat Pond Sanctuary.

In 2012, this 352-acre property was saved from development and protected by the hard work of many conservation organizations, the Town of Spencer, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are fields, meadows, forests, ponds, and wetlands to be explored. Volunteers worked hard to restore the property after years of neglect. A trail system has been developed that can be used for hiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.

This is a special place that attracts birds and wildlife. A flock of Eastern Bluebirds was seen in the meadow near the parking area on Greenville Street. There are beavers in the wetlands and porcupine and deer in the woods. The meadows are alive with Queen Anne’s Lace, goldenrods and thistles. White Baneberry grows along some of the trails. The Midstate Trail also crosses the property as it makes its way across the state.

This is a multi-use property and hunting is allowed on the Sibley Farm portion of the property. During hunting season please wear bright clothes. Hunting is not allowed on Sunday.

36

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Location: From Worcester take Rte I-290 South to Rte. 395. Follow Rte I-395 South to exit 4B to Oxford Center. At the traffic light in Oxford center continue straight onto Charlton Road. Follow Charlton Road for .70 mile and take a left on Dudley Road (not Old Dudley Road). Go approximately 2.30 miles and park near the sign on the left side of the road.

Distance: About 5 miles

No dogs allowed.

This trail takes you on an adventure that starts on Mass Audubon property with a cart path and a discontinued town road, the Olde County Road. A more rugged path continues through Slater Woods and Hiland Park and takes you by a wetland, along the top of a wooded ridge, and up and down impressive outcroppings. The path ends at the beautiful Peter Pond.

The roundtrip is about five miles, so plan your time accordingly. The paths are well marked. Mass Audubon uses circular blazes and the Slater Woods and Hiland Park use diamond shaped trail markers, but the color scheme is the same. Blue indicates going South towards Peter Pond and Yellow markers are returning to the trailhead on Dudley Oxford Road. There are other woods roads that take you onto private property, so if you don’t see any trail markers, you may have accidentally taken a wrong turn.

Mass Audubon does not allow hunting, but the other properties do, so wear bright colorful clothing during hunting season. No hunting is permitted on Sunday.

37 Slater Woods and Environs Dudley, Oxford

Key

Trail Boundaries Streams Dudley Oxford Rd Other paths Henry Marsh Rd Marsh Henry Piasta Rd Bench

O X F O R D Parking on side of D U D L E Y P road. P

Dudley Conservation Land Trust

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Power Lines Hiland Park

Power Lines

Trail Markings Petr This well marked trail is about Pond 5 miles roundtrip to Peter Pond. Blue blazes head away from the parking area. Charlton Rd Yellow blazes return to the parking area. 12/14

Southwick Pond & Muir Meadow Paxton/Leicester Line The Greater Worcester Land Trust

Location: Southwick Pond can be accessed from Rt 122 in Paxton. Take Walbridge Road (across from Pleasant View Nursery) to the end (.40 mile). Muir Meadow is located on Pleasant Street in Paxton. Park on Indian Hill Road or at Howe’s Nursery. If you park at Howe’s Nursery, please ask permission.

Length: About 2 miles roundtrip, or more depending on the route you pick.

Dogs on leashes are allowed.

These properties are beautiful any season of the year. Both properties have moderately easy trails that take you through many habitats.

Southwick Pond: You start in a diverse woodland. One special thing that happens the day after it rains, Red Efts can be found in great numbers on the path and around mushrooms. There are log bridges that take you through a wetland that features Jack-in-the-pulpits, Cinnamon Ferns and frogs. This path is in the shape of a lasso. When you reach the point where the trail divides, continue straight to walk along the pond first. The views of the pond are spectacular. In mid-June, the Mountain Laurel is beautifully showcased against the water. Go to the water’s edge at the beaver dam. The pond has Fragrant Water-lilies and Blue Flags. As you complete the loop, look for the main trail, turn right and head in a northeasterly direction, to return to the parking area.

Muir Meadow is a newly established conservation area that abuts Southwick Pond. There is a path that starts on Pleasant St., just North of Howe’s Nursery. Step over the guard rail to begin your hike. The trail has light blue triangular blazes. This path takes you through woods which are home to unusual plants like Blue Cohosh and Beaked Hazelnuts as well as Mountain Laurel and blueberries. The path continues along the meadow. Black-eyed Susan, many species of goldenrod, asters and milkweed make a colorful display. This trail eventually crosses a stone wall and connects up with the Southwick Pond trail. Retrace your steps to complete the hike. The path has another starting point across from Indian Hill Road, at the Muir Meadow sign.

38 Southwick Pond & Muir Meadow! Paxton and Leicester Pleasant View ! Nursery Road

122 P Howe!

Indian Hill Pleasant Street Nursery ! Camp Street Culter Rd

Monticello Dr Walbridge Rd

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Key! ! Property Boundaries!! Wetlands! ! Southwick Pond Path Contour Lines! ! Woonaskochu’s Path!! Parking! ! Streams!! !P ! Spencer State Forest Howe State Park Spencer Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Location: From the intersection of Routes 9 and 31 in Spencer, head South on Route 31 for 1.10 miles. Turn right onto Howe Road and drive for 1 mile. The road bears right; you will find parking areas for the Park on both sides of the road.

Length: Many miles through the 965-acre property.

Dogs on leashes are allowed.

This is the birthplace of three Spencer inventors; Elias Howe, Jr., the inventor of the sewing-machine, and his uncles, William Howe, inventor of the “Howe truss” bridge, and Tyler Howe, inventor of the spring bed. There is a stone memorial near the former houses’ foundation.

This property offers many recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing and picnicking. There are rest rooms which are open during the warmer months. Most of the paths were established for multiple uses including hiking and horseback riding, and in the winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. These paths are wide and easy to walk on. There are also a few hiking paths that are narrower and cover more rugged terrain.

In the picnic area, Howe Pond and Cranberry River have beautiful stone work along their banks. This area is home to many species of birds like Great Blue Herons, and an assortment of ducks. Every season brings a procession of colorful wildflowers like Marsh-marigolds in the Spring; Pickerelweed, Jewelweed and Joe-pye-weed in the Summer; and asters and goldenrod in the Fall.

Spencer State Forest is a multi-use property. During hunting season, wear bright colorful clothing. No hunting is permitted on Sunday.

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2008 TO CHARLTON Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary 690 Linden Street Boylston, MA

Location: From Route I-495, take exit 26 to Route 62 West. Go 1.80 miles to the center of Berlin. Bear left onto Linden Street (flashing yellow light). Follow Linden Street 2.10 miles to the entrance on the left.

Length: 1.75 miles

No Dogs allowed.

Hours: The trails are open from dawn to dusk, Saturday through Tuesday. The Trailhead House is open 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on these days.

Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary is the inspiration of one person. It is a place “where wildlife lives freely, and where people can appreciate and celebrate nature. The Sanctuary is a place of tranquility and self-reflection.”

This 45 acre property is located in the heart of a conservation effort in Boylston, Berlin and Northborough. The Tri-town Landscape Partnership Project is trying to to protect hundreds of acres of roadless land to link critical wildlife habitats and maintain wildlife corridors.

Summer Star’s trails take you through a rich wooded landscape that features many glacial boulders. There are beautiful stone walls and evidence of past quarrying. There is a path to Wrack Meadow Brook, a beautiful babbling stream. On the other side of the brook is another protected property, the Sudbury Valley Trustees’ Wrack Meadow Reservation.

The Trailhead House is environmentally designed, from the composting toilets to the rooftop Earth garden that complements the surrounding landscape. The Trailhead House is a work of art which has been built from sustainable materials. The building lets you be part of and one with nature.

40 SUMMER STAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

690 Linden Road, Boylston, MA Illustration by Joyce Dwyer

Linden Road

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Trailhead House

Sudbury Valley Trustees’ Wrack Meadow Reservation

Town of Berlin’s Ball Hill Road Conservation Area

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Sudbury Valley Key Trustees’ Wrack Meadow B E R L I N Easy Trail Reservation B O Y L S T O N Trail Marsh/Bog Wooded Marsh Stream P Parking ______The trails are open from dawn to dusk, Saturday - Tuesday. The Wrack Meadow Brook Trailhead House is open on the same days, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

0 250 500 Feet 11/14 Trout Brook Holden Town of Holden

Location: There are four parking areas. The following directions start from the intersection of Routes 122A and 31 in Holden. Manning Street - Drive North on Route 31 for 2 miles. Turn right onto Manning St. Drive East for .90 mile. The parking lot is on the left. All of the trails can be accessed from here. North Street - Follow the directions for Manning Street. Continue .20 mile further and turn left onto North St. Continue for about .70 mile. The parking area will be on the left side of the road. The Bob Elms (Blue) Trail and the White Oak Trail can be accessed from here. See the next section for the description for the White Oak Trail. Mason Rd - Drive North on Route 31 for 3.10 miles. Turn right onto Mason Rd. Continue for .90 mile. The parking lot is on the right side. The Red, White, and Blue Trails can be accessed from here. Sterling Rd - Follow the directions for Mason Rd. Pass the Mason Rd. parking area and turn right onto Sterling Rd. Drive about .10 mile. The parking area will be on the right. Access the Bob Elms (Blue) Trail from here.

Length: There are many paths that can be combined for 8-10 miles of hiking.

Dogs on leashes are allowed.

Multi-use property. Wear bright colorful clothing during hunting season. No hunting is permitted on Sunday.

This is a huge property with many varied hiking opportunities. From the parking area of the main entrance on Manning Street, walk North passing by a large picnic area that includes many picnic tables. To start hiking, walk around the left side of the small pond. The Red and White Trails begin on the other side of the pond. This point is about .40 mile from the parking area, so keep that in mind when estimating the length of the walk you want to take. The Red and White trails can be combined for a nice loop. The Red Trail goes through the woods while the White Trail walks along Trout Brook and crosses wetlands.

41-1 The Short Loop/Mushroom Trail starts from a point midway around the pond. Walk through a picnic structure and cross a bridge. This short steep trail climbs up through the forest and then takes you down to the old mill dam. This gives you a great look at Trout Brook. Follow the brook East and cross a bridge that takes you to the beginning of the Red and White Trails. To continue a short combined trail hike, walk .50 mile North on the Red/White Trails and turn West onto the Bob Elms Trail (Blue) for several tenths of a mile. Turn South onto the Christmas Tree Trail which takes you through a field. At this time the turn for the Christmas Tree Trail is not marked, but it is a noticeable intersection. This trail reconnects with the Red/White Trails. Walk South around the pond and back to the parking area.

The Bob Elms Trail (Blue) is named in honor of Bob Elms, who worked on the trails of Trout Brook, and the White Oak Trail, and helped maintain the Midstate Trail. This is a very wet trail, especially at the northern end. In wet weather, there may be some vast areas of shallow water that have to be carefully crossed. This also is an incredibly beautiful area. Downed trees are covered in moss, and everywhere you look is a terrarium-like scene of woodland ground covers.

41-2 Trout Brook Reservation and White Oak Trail! Holden

Dinosaur! Rock S T E R L I N G

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Key! ! ! ! White Oak Trail & connecting trails!! Short Loop Trail &! ! Bob Elms Trail (Blue Trail) !! ! Mushroom Trail! ! Red Trail!! ! ! ! Alternate paths! ! White Trail!! ! ! ! Private paths! ! Christmas Tree Trail!! ! ! Wetlands! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Brook, River, or Ponds!! !0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Stone Walls! ! P Parking! White Oak Trail North Street, Holden White Oak Land Conservation Society

Location: From the intersection of Routes 122A and 31 in Holden, drive North on Route 31 for 2 miles. Turn right onto Manning St. Drive East for 1.10 miles and turn left onto North St. Continue for about .70 mile. The parking area will be on the left side of the road.

Length: Several miles

Dogs on leashes are allowed.

Multi-use property. Wear bright colorful clothing during hunting season. No hunting is permitted on Sunday.

The White Oak Trail was built under the auspices of Wachusett Greenways and is dedicated to Rolf Larson who was a leader in making the trail. This trail is well established and easy to hike on. It has much of the natural beauty of the trails in Trout Brook, along with several notable landmarks. The White Oak Land Conservation Society’s name was inspired by a majestic White Oak tree. This tree fell during the winter of 2014. The remains of this landmark can be found at the Southwestern corner of the trail. There is also an old town boundary marker on the Holden/West Boylston line. The chiseled town initials are still visible on the marker. There are also many large glacial boulders. One found at the Northeastern portion of the trail is affectionately called Dinosaur Rock.

42 White Oak Trail North Street, Holden

Whit Oak Land Conservaton Societ Dinosaur Rock

Sterling Rd Glacial DCR Water Erratics Supply Protection

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During hunting season, bright colors are ¼ mile recommended for people and pets.